How much does it cost to process a US passport in 2024?

The passport is an important document as it serves as proof of identity, and is necessary to travel outside the United States. Now that peak travel season is approaching, it is useful to check if your passport is still valid, and to know how much you need to pay to renew it. First-time applicants should also consider the cost of getting a passport and add it to their travel budget.

According to the usa.gov website, to be eligible to apply for a passport a person must be a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization or a qualified non-US citizen national.

What is needed to apply for a US passport?

If you are applying for your passport for the first time, you must do so in person at a passport acceptance center. This procedure cannot be done online or by mail. The requirements for a person applying for an American passport for the first time are the following:

Application (Form DS-11)

You can complete the DS-11 form online and print it. You can also download it and complete it by hand. Another option is to visit your local passport acceptance center or regional agency to request the form.

It is important that you not sign the DS-11 form until you are at your appointment and the passport acceptance officer tells you to do so.

Personal documents

These include original proof of citizenship, an acceptable photo ID, and a photocopy of your citizenship document and photo ID.

Passport photo and fee

You must also submit a photograph that follows the guidelines set by the Office of Consular Affairs, as well as pay the processing fee.

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Prices of the American passport in 2024

To apply for a passport for the first time, you need to cover the cost of the application as well as the execution fee.

First-time passport fees for adults over 16 years of age are as follows:

The passport prices for children and adolescents under 16 years of age are:

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For passport renewal, the passport book alone costs $130, while renewing a passport card costs only $30. Opting for both will cost $160. The execution fee is not paid in the renewal process.

To speed up the processing of your passport, you must pay for the expedited service, which has an extra cost of $60. If you have questions, you can consult the fee calculator on the State Departments website.

How long does the American passport process take?

Processing time for passports often varies. As of December 18, 2023, passport applications are processed within six to eight weeks for ordinary service and two to three weeks for expedited service.

These projected processing times do not include the time needed for mailing.

It is advisable to apply for your passport or renew it at least six to nine months before you intend to travel, so you can have enough time to plan your trip. For more information about the US passport, visit the Department of State’s website.